Get started or improve your skills on the trails, hills, crags or mountains

Summer Camps For Young People (12-17)

On our summer camps for young outdoor enthusiasts (aged 12-17) our courses focus on providing maximum enjoyment whilst learning and developing your outdoor skills. To make sure you get the most from your course, alongside a week of all-day skills development, we also run a series of informal evening activity sessions. With the entire site dedicated to young people, you'll learn new skills, see new places and make lots of new friends.

Take your first steps or develop your outdoor skills on the lakes, rivers or sea

Summer Camps For Young People (12-17)

On our summer camps for young outdoor enthusiasts (aged 12-17) our courses focus on providing maximum enjoyment whilst learning and developing your outdoor skills. To make sure you get the most from your course, alongside a week of all-day skills development, we also run a series of informal evening activity sessions. With the entire site dedicated to young people, you'll learn new skills, see new places and make lots of new friends.

Free Kayak, Sea Kayak Or Canoe Hire On All Our Paddling Courses

When you come on a canoeing or kayaking course or holiday with us, you can borrow a kayak, canoe, paddle, helmet, spraydeck and any other kit you need free of charge. What's more, you can try out loads of boats to find out what suits you best. We have a huge range of the latest kayaks, sea kayaks and canoes in our fleet and you are welcome to try any of them. Find out more about our kayak and canoe fleet here.

Fast Track Instructor Scheme

Every year we are host to a team of committed individuals who have set their hearts on becoming outdoor instructors. Our Fast Track Insturctor trainees spend four months here at The National Mountain Centre learning from experts in every field, leaving us with a new career and a new direction.Think you'd like to join the Fast Track Scheme? Find out more here.

Courses Families & Children

Self Catering Accommodation

Our self catering accommodation units make a great destination for a family holiday in the mountains. Moelwyn Cottage sleeps 16 and Bryn Engan Cottage sleeps up to 20 people in a warm, clean, comfortable bunkhouse style arrangement. If you'd rather be a little more upmarket Bryn Engan Farmhouse has 12 single, en-suite rooms and every home comfort you could wish for. You can add on activities and catered meals as you desire. Find out more here.

Breaks and Activities for Groups

Superior School Experiences

If you want the very best residential activity experience for your school, there's no better choice than the National Mountain Sports Centre. Enjoy the highest standard of instruction, equipment, food and accommodation. Let us work out a program that's ideal for your school.Find out more here.

Christmas Parties

If your idea of a perfect Christmas party is great food, a stunning location and incredible views, then Plas y Brenin is the place for you. Find out more here.

Accommodation For Groups

Our self catering accommodation units make a highly affordable destination for your group adventures. Moelwyn Cottage sleeps 16 and Bryn Engan Cottage sleeps up to 20 people in a warm, clean, comfortable bunkhouse style arrangement. If you'd rather move upmarket, Bryn Engan Farmhouse has 12 single, en-suite rooms and every home comfort you could wish for. You can add on meals, activities, and conference facilities as you desire. Find out more here.

Rock Climbing Summer Camp For Young People

Course Overview

In five days we will help you progress from never having climbed before to the possibility of leading your own climbs in a controlled and confident manner at the end of the week. All of the basic ropework, equipment selection and climbing techniques will be covered and many of North Wales most famous climbing areas will be explored, such as Tremadog, the Llanberis Pass and the Ogwen Valley - always under the direct supervision of our expert staff.

Experience Required

none required.

Scheduled Dates

Detailed Course Notes

You should be 12-17 years old to attend this course.

Is it for me?

This holiday is an introduction to the exciting and adventurous sport of rock-climbing. It is designed for young people aged 12 - 17 years old. We take you from being a complete beginner to someone who understands how to climb safely. We run this course especially for young people, and safety is paramount. We aim to leave the young climber with realistic aims and aspirations after the course.

You do not need any previous experience of climbing - just enthusiasm to do lots of climbing.

What we cover

During the week we will try to give you a chance to experience a range of climbing from smaller road-side crags, to high mountain crags and even sea-cliff climbing.

In a bit more detail, this is what we hope to look at:

Movement and balance on the rock

Single pitch climbing (small cliffs)

Multi pitch climbing (bigger cliffs)

Belaying (controlling the climber's safety rope)

Abseiling (sliding down the rope under control)

Ropes and equipment

Knots and ropework for making yourself safe on ledges

Where do I go from here? - after the course

We may also try a number of climbing related activities, like sea level traversing, gorge walking or scrambling. All these still improve your climbing and help you to use ropes better, but also show you what other things are possible using rock and rope.

All our staff are qualified and experienced coaches with infectious enthusiasm for the activities. They are experienced in teaching at all levels and most importantly, they have lots of experience helping people choose the level of adventure right for them. Small groups allow us to give you individual attention.

If you are staying with us:

Please aim to arrive between 5.30pm-8.00pm and get your parent or guardian to sign you in.

Our bar is open throughout the afternoon and will be serving bar meals from 5.00pm if you would like to enjoy a meal with your parent or guardian before the start of your week.

At 8.00pm Helen Barnard our Duty Instructor will welcome you, provide a familiarisation tour and fire safety information. You will then receive your room key, meet your roommate and settle in.
If you are travelling by train then we will collect you from the station at 6.30pm or 9.30pm. Please arrange collection in advance by completing the relevant section on the parent/guardian form. Try to get a train as close to these pick up times as possible so you don't have to spend time waiting around at the railway station. If you are being picked up from the station at 9.30pm we will arrange a separate welcome briefing on arrival at the centre.

Departure

On the final day of your course please arrange to be collected between 5.00pm and 6.00pm. Before you leave the centre, please make sure your parent or guardian has signed to say they are collecting you.

If you are travelling by train we will drop you off at the station after your course; an instructor will accompany you to your train. Please do not book a train that is leaving Llandudno Junction before 6.30pm as we cannot guarantee to be there in time for earlier trains.

Daily Routine

Breakfast is from 8.00am; packed lunches can be collected during this time. Please make sure that you are up and dressed ready for breakfast.

On the first day everyone will meet at 9.00am for a briefing with the Duty Instructor and to be introduced to your course director and instructors.

You will then be on activity for the rest of the day.

Dinner will be at 5:30pm and the evening activity sessions will commence at 6:30 to 8:30pm. Once you have finished your evening activity session there will be time to get changed ready for some hot chocolate, toast, fruit and cereal at 9.00pm.

The evening activity sessions will range from a choice of bouldering, paddling (canoe or kayak), climbing wall, stand up paddle boarding, tubing and table tennis.

It is important that you have plenty of rest/sleep during your stay ready to make the most of the activities. Therefore we want you into your bedrooms and lights out by 10:30pm.

Any problems day or night there is always someone at reception happy to help.

If you are coming in each day:

You will need to arrive at 8.45am so you have time to be signed in by your parent or guardian and then be ready to meet your instructor at 9.00am on the first morning and 9.15am for the rest of the week. You'll be back from activities by 5pm each day and can be collected by your parent or guardian then (please ensure they sign you out).

There will be more activities from 6.30pm-8.30pm which you are welcome to stay for, if you do please arrange for a parent or guardian to collect you at 8:30pm (again please ensure you are signed out). If you choose to stay for the evening activities you can either bring a packed tea or you can book and pay to have dinner in advance with reception.

Make sure you don't forget to bring lunch, snacks and plenty to drink each day and if you are staying later a packed tea (or booked and paid for dinner).

Before you leave the centre each evening please make sure your parent or guardian has signed to say they are collecting you.

If there are any problems, there is always someone at reception happy to help.

What's Included In The Price?

Whether you choose to stay with us or you have alternative accommodation nearby, the following items are included in the total cost.

Free tea, coffee or selected hot drinks for the duration of your visit

Instruction/coaching

Equipment hire

Free (low-speed) wifi access in the bar & dining room

In course transport

Railway station pick up & drop off (please call to arrange)

Parking with CCTV surveillance

Free use of climbing wall, gym, MTB skills course & rolling pool

If you choose to stay with us, these items are also included in the total cost:

Accommodation the night before your course

Accommodation during your course

Breakfast & evening meal

Bar Lunch/packed lunch

Accommodation For This Course

Plas y Brenin Main House

Your course is based at Plas y Brenin, The National Mountain Sports Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales, LL24 0ET.

If you have chosen to add accommodation onto this course or holiday it is will be in the main house in a comfy en-suite room which you will share with other young people of a similar age and on the same or a similar course. All bed linen and towels are provided, however if you are on a kayaking or mountain adventure course you will need to bring an extra towel with you.

During the week there is always a member of staff around during the day and overnight incase you have any problems.

This includes accommodation the night before your first day. Your room will be allocated after the welcome meeting on your arrival evening. On your last day you will need to vacate your room by 10.00am. Your bags will be stored securely until you depart and there will be showers available at the end of the day if you need them.

Also included if you have chosen to add accommodation are all your meals - breakfast, packed lunch, three course evening meal and evening snack at 9pm. Please bear in mind an evening meal is not provided on the night before your course or on the last day of your course but our bar will be serving meals from 5.00pm until 8.45pm.

If being dropped off at the centre by a parent or guardian on the evening of your arrival please aim to arrive between 5.30pm-8.00pm.

If you are travelling by train then we will collect you from the station at 6.30pm or 9.30pm. Please arrange collection in advance by completing the relevant section on the parent/guardian form. Try to get a train as close to these pick up times as possible so you don't have to spend time waiting around at the railway station.

On the last day of your summer camp please arrange to be collected at 5pm. If you are travelling by train we will drop you off at the station after your course; an instructor will accompany you to your train. Please do not book a train that is leaving Llandudno Junction before 6.30pm as we cannot guarantee to be there in time for earlier trains.

TRAVEL DIRECTIONS

By Road: Capel Curig is on the A5 (London to Holyhead Road) and the Centre is about 400 metres from the village along the A4086. From the North take the M56, A55, A5 or A470. Traffic congestion is sometimes heavy on the roads in holiday periods

By Train: You need to get to Llandudno Junction Railway Station. Many trains depart from London, with connections from other parts of the country at Crewe and Chester.

RAIL ENQUIRY NUMBER: 08457 484950

If you are coming in each day:

You will need to arrive at 8.45am so you have time to be signed in by your parent or guardian and then be ready to meet your instructor at 9.00am on the first morning and 9.15am for the rest of the week. You'll be back from activities by 5.00pm each day and can be collected by your parent or guardian then (please ensure they sign you out).

There will be more activities from 6.30pm-8.30pm which you are welcome to stay for, if you do please arrange for a parent or guardian to collect you at 8:30pm (again please ensure you are signed out). If you choose to stay for the evening activities you can either bring a packed tea or you can book and pay to have dinner in advance with reception.

Make sure you don't forget to bring lunch, snacks and plenty to drink each day.

Before you leave the centre each evening please make sure your parent or guardian has signed to say they are collecting you.

If there are any problems, there is always someone at reception happy to help.

Swimwear - you may get an opportunity to do a water based activity in the evening

Large towel

Drinks bottle - 1 litre

Lunch box/bag

High factor suncream (min factor 30)

Midge Repellant

Rucksack liner (3-4 bin bags is fine)

Sandals/flip flops or spare shoes for wearing around centre

Suggested Items

Flask

Torch (head-torch is best, don't forget batteries!)

Small amount of cash

Notebook and pen

Camera

Book, games etc. for the evenings when you're not on activities

If you already have these items please bring them however, all of these are available to borrow from our stores free of charge.

Harness

Rock shoes

Rucksack

Chalk bag

We have an excellent drying room, where clothes should dry overnight if wrung out and hung carefully, but do bring a few changes. Our shop stocks various items such as chocolates, sweets, books, rucksack liners and batteries.

If you are using this course for your Gold Residential for the Duke of Edinburgh's award, don't forget to bring your e-dofe number with you.

Customer Reviews For This Course

Amazing Week!

Charlie Trenholm

Under Your Own Steam was amazing and I'm definetly returning next year after taking up rock climbing quite seriously

comments

louise baldock

i really enjoyed my week here. the food was great. and we always had a full day rock climbing, rain or shine. i learned loads about rock climbing and made loads of new friends. everyone was really friendly and made you feel really welcome. there was always something going on, so i never had time to get bored, always evening activities, something going on, so by the time it was bedtime, i was too tired to think. thank you for a great week. :-)

Not found what you were looking for?

You can hire one of our coaches instructors or guides from only £250 per day. They'll tailor the day to suit your aims and aspirations perfectly.
You can enjoy one to one coaching for that cost or if you get together as a group, depending on the activity, you can split that cost between up to 6 of you. If you are a group we can run any of our courses on a date that suits you and your friends. Or you could just write your own agenda for a week or weekend and we'll price it up for you - with or without accommodation. What's more, just like out normal course fees, our private instructor hire charge covers all your equipment too.
Click on the link below to fill in a request form and one of our coaches will call you back (or e-mail if you'd prefer) to discuss things in detail with you.